The Federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released a new Immigration Levels Plan which it uses to guide its operations.

The Immigration Levels Plan is released yearly to guide its operations and prospective immigrants on how to apply.

In 2023, IRCC plans to welcome more than 465,000 immigrants to Canada and In 2024, it plans to welcome approximately 485,000 new permanent residents.

It aims to welcome an additional 500,000 immigrants in both 2025 and 2026.

In terms of sponsorship, the spousal, partner, and children programme plans to admit 82,000 individuals in 2024, and 84,000 in both 2025 and 2026.

Meanwhile, the parents and grandparents programme targets 32,000 immigrants in 2024 and 34,000 immigrants in both 2025 and 2026.

It will also admit 110,770 immigrants for its federal high-skilled programme and caregivers in 2024, and 117,500 in both 2025 and 2025.

IRCC sends out invitations to apply to the candidates with the highest scores in the pool. If you are invited to apply, you will have 60 days to submit your application.

Below is a step-by-step guide for prospective immigrants:

1. Find out if you are eligible for the Express Entry programs by answering a few questions to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.

2. If eligible, submit your profile and get ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.

3. Prepare documents such as passport/travel documents, language test results, proof of Canadian education, proof of funds, police certificates, medical exams, and birth certificates. These documents will be required for your application. Upload copies of the documents used for your profile.

4. Complete your Express Entry profile with accurate information about yourself. Once in the pool, you’ll receive a CRS score. Note that being in the pool doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

5. Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will receive invitations to apply from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If invited, you have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.